De Chromecast is a handy device with which you can make practically any TV smarter. There are now tens of millions Chromecast sold worldwide. After years Chromecastuse, I have gained a lot of experience with it. In this article I answer the question: Chromecast buy, which one should you take?
Which Chromecast to buy? The best Chromecast to buy right now, looking at price is the Chromecast with Google TV HD. However, if you want to stream in 4K and also use a remote control, it is better to opt for the Chromecast with Google TV.
Chromecast: small but brilliant
I remember it well: the launch of the Chromecast back in 2013, when Google revealed all the details about this little streaming device. What we didn't know then was that tens of millions would be sold worldwide.
Of Google Chromecast basically makes any TV (or other device) with an HDMI connection smart. This makes it possible to stream all kinds of content via, for example Netflix, Youtube, Videoland, Twitch, Spotify and many other services
A lot has changed and improved in recent years and this article will help you answer the question: which one Chromecast to buy?
Of course you don't have to believe me on my blue eyes, but since 2013 I have all Chromecasts extensively tested and used (even the Chromecast Audio), so read on quickly.
The very first Chromecast...
This is the very first Google Chromecast which was launched in 2013. The basics are still the same: you open an app and press the cast icon and the Chromecast does the rest. This was the beginning of a revolution that eventually resulted in several new version of the Chromecast resulted.
De Chromecast with Google TV HD brings remote control and app control. This offers a full HD image quality.
It is a good upgrade over its predecessor and therefore makes it possible to install apps. This causes the Chromecast with Google TV HD even more extensive in use.
Are you considering a Chromecats with Google TV HD version, then that is a good choice in the following cases:
- Streaming in full HD is sufficient
- You don't want to pay too much
- Operate via remote control, apps and Google Home
- Install apps
Chromecast buy: an overview of the different models
Let's start with an overview of the different ones Chromecasts that are currently for sale in the Netherlands and Belgium. Of course there are more Chromecast, but in this overview I have limited myself to the models that are currently available: the Chromecast with Google TV HD and Chromecast with Google TV 4k.
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Best Buy
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Best quality
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Ports:
HDMI and USB-C
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Ports:
HDMI and USB-C
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Year of launch:
2022
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Year of launch:
2020
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Image quality:
Full HD (60fps) and HDR10+
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Image quality:
4K (60fps) and HDR10+
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Audio:
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos via HDMI pass-through
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Audio:
Dolby Vision, Dolby audio pass-through mode
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Connections:
Wifi 2,4 and 5 Ghz / Bluetooth 4.2
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Connections:
Wifi 2,4 and 5 Ghz / Bluetooth 4.2
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Power supply:
Power grid
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Power supply:
Power grid
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Control via:
Remote control and apps
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Control via:
Remote control and apps
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Weight:
55 gram
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Weight:
56,7 gram
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Dimensions:
162.5 x 61 x 12.5 mm
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Dimensions:
162 mm x 61 mm x 12.5 mm
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- Operate via remote control and app
- Install apps on Chromecast
- 2,4 and 5GHz WiFi
- Works with many apps and services
- Relatively affordable
- 'Only' full HD image quality
- Operate with remote control and via apps
- Install apps on Chromecast
- Stream in 4K quality
- Works with many apps and services
- Most expensive Chromecast
How does a Chromecast exactly?
De Chromecast is a small device that needs to be connected to the HDMI port of your TV (or monitor) and requires power via USB/wall socket.
This is also one of the reasons why the Google Chromecast is so successful: it can be used in a huge number of places, because HDMI is a commonly used connection.
Then you get started with the Chromecast to install and you can get started. The Chromecast makes it possible to send videos or photos to the big screen, for example. Consider this, for example Netflix, Youtube, Videoland, Spotify and Prime. But many lesser-known services now also have support for the Chromecast.
✔ Operate with remote control + app
✔ Very affordable
✔ Good value for money
Chromecast with Google TV HD
✔ HDR 10 +
✔ Android TV
✔ Remote control
✔ Wi-Fi ac (2.4 and 5GHz)
Chromecast with Google TV
Because the device is made by Google, many tools are offered to developers to get started, so that the cast icon is often seen.
The operation of one Chromecast is simple: open for example Netflix (or other supported app) on your smartphone, tablet or PC and click on it casticon.
Then select the Chromecast and you can stream! Only with the latest version, the Chromecast with Google TV, a remote control has been added, but you do not need it in principle.
In summary, the Chromecast so a device to quickly and easily stream from your smartphone, tablet or laptop/pc to the TV or other large screen. And that for a few tenners.
More about how one Chromecast exactly works in our article about: What is casting?
? In Chromecast you can not only use for example Netflix, YouTube or Videoland streaming, but also for gaming. You can do this with Google Stadia, Google's gaming service!
Chromecast buy: which one should you choose
But the reason you came here is because you want to know which version of the Chromecast you should buy now.
As you have seen, at the time of writing there are three different versions available in the Netherlands and Belgium. For convenience, an overview is given below.
- Chromecast with Google TV HD (~€39)
- Chromecast with Google TV (~ €80 – €90)
- Chromecast Ultra (~$79)
De Chromecast Ultra is a bit of an odd man out: it is slowly being phased out and actually offers no added value compared to the other two models. That's why I didn't take them into account when making a choice.
Below is an overview of the most suitable model in different situations.
De Chromecast with Google TV HD brings remote control and app control. This offers a full HD image quality.
It is a good upgrade over its predecessor and therefore makes it possible to install apps. This causes the Chromecast with Google TV HD even more extensive in use.
Are you considering a Chromecats with Google TV HD version, then that is a good choice in the following cases:
- Streaming in full HD is sufficient
- You don't want to pay too much
- Operate via remote control, apps and Google Home
- Install apps
- Operate via remote control and app
- Install apps on Chromecast
- 2,4 and 5GHz WiFi
- Works with many apps and services
- Relatively affordable
- 'Only' full HD image quality
De Chromecast with Google TV 4K (aka Chromecast 4) is the latest Chromecast and offers some interesting possibilities, including streaming in 4K and control with a remote control. Do you want the Chromecast with Google TV purchase, keep the following in mind.
This is especially suitable if you…
- Want to stream in 4K (and HDR10+)
- You want an 'interface' on the TV
- Want to operate with a remote control
- Operate with remote control and via apps
- Install apps on Chromecast
- Stream in 4K quality (HDR10)
- Works with many apps and services
- Most expensive Chromecast
Chromecast (V3) – Phased out
De Chromecast 3 has been phased out and is officially no longer made by Google.
Features
- Stream in full HD
- Operate via app
Pros and cons
Price comparison
Chromecast
In a nutshell
Of Google Chromecast (V3) has been a good selling product since its launch due to its particularly good price-quality ratio. With this version you can effortlessly stream all content from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to the big screen.
This is especially suitable if you…
- Streaming in full HD is sufficient
- You don't want to pay too much
- Power supply via USB on TV
- Only wants to control via apps and Google Home
Newest Chromecast: this is the latest model [2023]
Are you looking for the latest Chromecast, then of course you can only make one choice. The newest Chromecast is the Chromecast with Google tv HD, where you can not only stream to the big screen, but also receive a remote control. This one is almost identical to the 4K version, the Chromecast with Google TV HD
The difference between the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is – for the user – just the image quality. For example, it also has a different chipset and the working memory is different.
But on the outside you can see little difference. There is only one feature that allows you to recognize these models on the outside: the HD logo on the back.
In the photo below you can see both models side by side!
'Old' Chromecast-models
There are already a number of them Chromecastmodels entered the market. The first version was launched in 2013 for the US market and later on the European mainland.
This Chromecast (H2G2-42) also had a slightly different shape, but was the start of an interesting new product group.
A few years later the second version was announced, the NC2 6A5 Chromecast which was on sale from 2015. In 2018 it was phased out and replaced by Chromecast V3 (GA00439).
Also the Chromecast Ultra (GA3A00403A14) and Chromecast with Google TV (GA01919) appeared on the scene.
A side step was also made to a version that focused on audio, the Chromecast Audio, which model number RUX-J42. This is no longer for sale from 2019 and ultimately no successor has been launched.
Chromecast buying at Action: is that possible?
If you are looking for a cheap Chromecast, then you may quickly think of the Action. This price fighter offers many products for a particularly low price, including the necessary electronics such as, for example LSC SmartConnect, a smart home product line.
However, if you want one Chromecast buy at the Action, then I have to disappoint you: that is not possible. The product is simply not in the range of the Action.
Are you looking for a cheap ChromecastFortunately, there are plenty of alternatives. If you want to use the possibilities of this small streaming dongle and do not want to pay too much, then this model is the best option.
Chromecast buying: 5 tips
1. Bad Wi-Fi: There is a solution..
Do you have bad WiFi or do you not expect to have an optimal range at the location of the Chromecast? Then it can be useful to purchase a so-called Ethernet adapter.
This makes it possible to use the Chromecast wired to the internet, so you have a more stable (and usually faster) connection.
There are several models available, both officially through Google and from other manufacturers. An example of such an Ethernet adapter you can find it here (suitable for the 'ordinary' Chromecast, because a micro-USB connection is used).
A good connection is and remains essential for optimal streaming via a Chromecast.
2. Download the Google Home app
To get started with the Chromecast that you may be purchasing soon, you will need an app. This allows you to Chromecast to install. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
In addition to setting the Chromecast, you may have other devices in your home that can be connected to this. The app is basically the nerve center of all things Google Home.
3. Turn on the TV with you Chromecast
I personally find this a very useful feature and you should definitely check it out if you have one Chromecast going to buy. It is possible – provided your TV has support for this – to turn on the TV with the Chromecast. You do this through the Chromecast connect to a suitable HDMI port.
In addition, it is required to Chromecast connected to the mains power. So if you have connected it to the USB port of your TV as a power supply, this function will unfortunately not work.
In any case, it is a very useful feature that I personally use quite a lot.
4. Gaming on the Chromecast
Gaming on the Google Chromecast doesn't immediately sound logical. A device of a few tens that you can play games on and then also games with lots of graphics. Yet Google has come up with something for this: Google Stadia.
This cloud gaming service makes it possible to play (heavy) games on a Chromecast with Google TV of Chromecast Ultra in combination with a Stadia controller. These games are all streamed from Google's servers and it's actually unprecedented how smooth and low-lag that goes.
You can find more about Google Stadia, the costs and the possibilities at stay.google.com.
From January 2023 Stadia taken offline by Google.
Personalize you Chromecast
Of Google Chromecast you mainly use it for streaming (or gaming), of course, but you can also adjust the background when it is in standby, for example. You can choose to rotate your own photos, for example.
This so-called 'backdrop' of the Chromecast is easy to set up by using Google Photos, for example.
De Chromecast may initially seem like a small, cheap streaming device, but it is not for nothing that it has become a greatness in the field of media players.
Chromecast buy: finally
If you decide one Chromecast you will undoubtedly have a lot of fun with it. Things can go wrong, of course. You may get the Chromecast not set up properly, or do you want one Chromecast reset.
Because I the Chromecast I have been using it myself for years, I have made many handy guides containing solutions for common problems. Below is a list:
- Chromecast does not work? That's how you solve it
- Cannot communicate with Chromecast: this is how you solve it
- Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Chromecast: which one should you choose?
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: you need to know this before you buy it
- Chromecast reset: this is how it works (all models)
- Chromecast without WiFi: is it possible and how does it work?
- Chromecast connect to wifi: this is how you do it
- Spotify through Chromecast: easily stream your audio (step-by-step plan)
